A Malaysian Dilemma

Over the last year or so, I have been writing down my thoughts on the socio political scenario of Malaysia as a Nation, which I started publishing on this blog only in June.
If anything, my knowledge of Malaysian history and culture is at best, that of an amateur- my opinions are in no way the gospel truth, and are therefore, debatable. I'm however quite certain that there are truths to my perceptions which justify thought and debate.

Knowing this, I have been going through these jottings of mine over the last year, and have found that I have not changed my opinions thus far. If I were to put the archived articles I posted in a the proper order (more or less) to reflect my sentiments, it would be as follows:

1. Where is the Spirit of Merdeka?
2. A Malay Mindset For a Better Malaysia
3. The Malaysian Race "Revolution" - "Buang"-isation.
4. Religion - The Politician's Playground
5. The state of NEP, and its fallout.
6. The Matrix: Morpheus, Neo and the Red Pill.
7. Malay matrix?
8. 5.13 revisited- MT
9. Ethnic Envy and The NEP - a reply
10. What has come of “Us”?
11. Reply To Dr. Dzul
12. The PAS factor - A Viable Alternative?
13. The PAS "Cooperation" and Vote.
14. Class Politics - the Other Option?
15. Guilt Concealed By Fear
16. Now Does Our World Descend - E.E. Cummings

What exactly made me start blogging these things, I cannot say - but most likely, it was the frustration that I feel, at being a voiceless second class "citizen" of this beautiful country. That of course, is not taking Malaysia Today into account - Malaysia Today made me realize that I could share, discuss and debate these ideas with like minded (or otherwise) people.

There was a time, when I thought that all was well and good. However, this "good feeling" was gradually eaten away by the realities that I saw (and faced to a lesser extent) over the years, after I had started working for myself. It was almost an awakening of sorts, to the realities that one is faced with, when you are forced into "awareness" of the differences (and not similarities) between us Malaysians.

Yes - Malaysia is still a great place to live and work. However there is this nagging feeling of discomfort, when we hear the racist rhetoric of the politicians, and policies of race based preferences, justified in the name of affirmative action - when the reality is actually, a process of legalized "wealth acquisition", and not wealth creation by the minority elite.

We (Malay or otherwise) who are deprived of these "benefits" due to reasons known to those concerned, have chosen to create our own rice bowl and lament the system of apartheid, that has been touted as the creation of a "level playing field", which is actually tilted in favour of the ruling elite.

The delusion that I once had of a progressive, just and promising land of opportunity has since vanished into thin air. The reality today is - I have to silently agree to Ketuanan Melayu, and make a living while I still can. For all I know, I might one day be forced to leave this lovely country by the "Bumiputras".

No I do not blame the Malays for it - only certain greedy gangsters who insist on indoctrinating the Malays that they cannot live without the "crutch" called NEP. Those who insist on paralyzing the Malay mind.
Those who subtly, sow envy, distrust, greed and hatred into the beautiful and loving Malay people, for those of other races and religions/ belief/ lifestyles.
Those who use God to highlight differences, rather than similarities.

There was a time when I would've bet my life on the delusion that I would never have to do such a thing as migrating or being an economic refugee - today, I'm not so sure anymore. Despite the love I have for this country, I would be lying to myself if I didn't admit that my confidence has been greatly shaken by events of the last 20 yrs. Seldom do I feel that my country loves me, despite my service to society, despite not being a beneficiery of the NEP, despite paying my taxes, despite being proud to call myself a Malaysian.

When I hear parliamentarians shouting that this is an Islamic nation, you should leave the country if you aren't happy, do not question the NEP (aka Malay supremacy) - I recall Hitler and his "Aryan Supremacy" racist rhetoric, in search of a scapegoat for the humiliation of the German race.
Little do I understand, as to why I, who was born and bred here, should be referred to as a "pendatang", when I haven't taken anything, but have only contributed to the country! It is humiliating, to say the least when a "leader" tells you indirectly that you're not wanted in this land.

I have Malay employees working very well with me - and I'm certain that I'm not biased. In fact, I have been accused of showing favoritism to Malays, and thus was "boycotted" by many of my own race. I'm also certain that the benefits I provide my employees are far better than that provided by some Malays for their Malay employees.

Why then am I a "pendatang", when an illiterate immigrant who robs the Malay of opportunities (and husbands too) is considered a "bumiputra"?

The way I look at it, the thorn in our society is nothing more than the NEP - it is the humiliation of the failure of this plan, that makes the leaders scramble for scapegoats, just as Adolf Hitler did prior to his rise to power. The NEP has only created a super rich elite, and an unsustainable middle-class among the Malays. Those who did not enjoy the fruits of NEP - the majority, are left high and dry. This failure is conveniently blamed on the non-Bumiputras, for not being "supportive".
The leaders seem to be able to play the race-card very well, by keeping a segment of society deprived of economic benefits - it is these people who are instrumental in perpetuating the delusion of "volatile race relations" that requires repressive laws, that determine the one and only viable leadership.

To also perpetuate the idea of Malay supremacy, they (the Malays) are also subtly encouraged to despise the idea of working for a private enterprise under a "pendatang" or "Kufr". The ideas of efficiency or merit are lost with those indoctrinated with these propaganda. As a result many are taught to believe that it is their God-given right to sit in command above the non-bumiputra or Kufr.
That it is their right to have preferential treatment in all matters, rich or poor, big or small. The criteria are only two very basic, simple and easily identifiable things, in all matters - race and religion.

We are constantly "reminded" by racists, that we should be thankful for being allowed to live in peace. Threats of the Malays running "amok" with the parang or kris has become commonplace, in a nation that has been starved of accountability for the failures of the leadership over the last 20 yrs.
It scares me to think that the Malays could fall for the hate ideology that is being propagated by "leaders" in the name of Race, Religion and Country. The possibility of this happening would definitely be very real should there be sufficient frustration among the people who have once tasted the comforts of some promised "security"- bumiputra or otherwise - as a hungry and angry man is most vulnerable to suggestion, political spin, chauvinism and would see no reason during his frenzy.

The only way out of this predicament is for the powers that be to responsibly democratize the nation, subscribe to values of freedom of expression/ information, accountability, meritocracy and a very positive affirmative policy, with a little less of religiosity (not spirituality).
Or else, sooner or later, despite all the racist rhetoric, the people will surely be fighting for a lost cause, and Malaysia would be ripe for economic colonization as it was under the East India Company 50 years ago.
This time around, the economic invaders would definitely rob the nation blind - this time in the name of globalisation or religion.
Listen then, if you have big ears .......

Malaya - The Last Resort?

Who will provide the grand design?
What is yours and what is mine?
'Cause there is no more new frontier
We have got to make it here

We satisfy our endless needs and
justify our bloody deeds,
in the name of destiny and the name
of God

And you can see them there,
On Sunday morning
They stand up and sing about
what it's like up there
They call it paradise
I don't know why
You call someplace paradise,
kiss it goodbye.

• The Last Resort, Eagles

Of late, there has been a lot of racist and ultra-religious hate rhetoric being spewed by our so called leaders, which I thought was juvenile at best.

The way I look at things, despite being treated as second class citizens, this country is what it is today, because of our forefathers who actually helped build this beautiful country of ours. Anything or anyone that says otherwise, is nothing but a blatant liar.

Any racist rhetoric, is nothing but an attempt by the powers that be, to distort the truth, so as to cover their inferiority complex and greed for money and power, and brainwash the lovely Malaysians with an ideology of hate.

This ideology of hate has manifested itself in more ways that one in all sectors of society. I couldn't help but feel sad for our nation as a whole, as I heard the story of a University Malaya Lecturer who lost all her Malay friends (and they were her best friends), due to the change in their mindset, towards that of chauvinistic attitude propagated by our politicians and religious leaders. The other story I heard was that of an “Indian” executive, who was fired using trumped up charges, simply because he wasn't a “bumiputra” - apparently all he could say at the end of it all was, “Do you know how much I contributed to the Company?”

Sadly, I wondered if I too would one day be faced with this predicament ...... the day when Ketuanan Melayu rears its ugly head, just as Hitlers “Aryan supremacy” ideology once struck fear in the hearts of the Jews of Europe prior to and during WW-II.

Later, as I listened to events and the song above, I couldn't help but reminisce about the stories that my Mum and Dad told me when I was just a “starstruck” kid, listening with wonder about the “adventures” that my folks had in the “good old days”.

My dad used to relate that he had to make his own sandals in his younger days so as to be able to trek his way to school. Poverty, disease and hunger in “pre-independence Kerala” was the norm, and they had to escape the cycle of misery that all who stayed back for the love of the “Motherland” had to face under the yoke of the British Raj.

They chose to switch their allegiances to a nation that was just budding after the turmoil of the Japanese invasion – they chose a Malaya that was still having Malaria epidemics, still dependant on wells for water, and the “petromax lamp” if not candles for light. They had chosen an impoverished but fertile frontier, which appeared to have unlimited potential and promise, with an easy going, friendly, pious, beautiful and loving people for “hosts”.

They chose a Malaya where a wooden house on stilts and a motorcycle to call your own, was a dream come true. And even if it was hell that they had to face, together with the others of different ethnicities, they were willing to walk through it, to achieve their dreams.

They had chosen to build a life in a new frontier through plain hard effort and work, faced with stark realities and choices in a new world – armed with nothing but sacrifice, some knowledge and the spirit of enterprise – all fired up to build a dream, a nation, in the spirit of “Merdeka”. They had chosen, never to turn their back on a small, new and beautiful nation in the making.

It was apparently quite a hard time that they all went through, when they first chose to pack up and migrate for good, and never to turn back. They had chosen a path, to break away from the mindset that held many immigrant workers and families, who still had their allegiances to the culture and mindset of colonial India. This was their “last resort” and they had to make it here.

It is quite difficult for me to imagine the “quantum leap” in mindset that my parents had to undertake, in order to achieve what they had in those days.

My dad came first, to first attain a stable job – I still remember that his first job was in Borneo Motors as a “fitter”, with a lucrative salary of 5cents/ day. From there, he moved on into the estates.

Papa was later introduced to the new “rubber estates” when he was still in his early twenties. He was apparently “spotted” and and started out as some thing like a trainee/ cadet “conductor” (at least, that is what I vaguely recall – gotta confirm it, though).

Papa then went back to his hometown in Kerala, got married to mum, and soon enough, was back in Malaya, reassuring my mum in this brave new world.

Mum, I presume, probably wasn't too happy initially, with the isolation that she experienced at that age, but persevered in her commitment towards building a life, by being supportive of Papa. Those were the days when women were so totally committed to their wedding vows and family, that all personal interests took second place.

My dad meanwhile worked just as hard if not harder at performing his duties as the breadwinner, husband and father.

I suppose, he knew the value of honesty, dedication, perseverance, education, language and the written word. In order to do justice to his talents and his desire to progress, he made great strides in learning “Queens English” and good letter writing skills through books he bought or borrowed.

These qualities probably did not go unnoticed by Mr. Perkins, his boss. Papa's command of his duties and his ability to learn fast possibly caught the attention of the “white Tuan” Planters ...... and he rose the ranks exceptionally fast, and before long, he was a planter himself!

Papa would surely mention Mr.Perkins (the Tuan Planter) at the first opportunity, should one ask about his exploits. I'm quite certain that Mr. Perkins played a pivotal role in his education and promotions. I still recollect his visits to Mr. Perkins' mansion overlooking a lagoon somewhere in Port Dickson, long after Mr. Perkins' retirement – there were also Mr. Perkins' dogs (all Alsatians) named Brandy, Whisky and Soda!

The psychological “evolution” that he underwent during that time was nothing short of phenomenal – even his writing bore no semblance whatsoever, of one who grew up learning the twisted Indian (Malayalam, in this case) script. The same could be said of his accent, to a lesser extent. This is something that still fascinates me to this day, if I where to compare him to his peers.

Papa also developed a taste for scotch, which he enjoys to this day (which Mum would nag about)! As a result, I occasionally end up in the “firing line” when I try to secretly give him a Chivas off and on, and get found out by Mummy. (Of course I try to explain that a “medical dose” of a spiritual drink is always good for the heart, mind and soul ......).

Actually, I find their arguments over Mr. Chivas extremely amusing – two old folks who have endeared themselves to each other through all the trials and troubles of life, and yet cannot see eye to eye on issues about Chivas and Co.!

So Pa, Ma – for all that you have done, your sacrifices, the values that you instilled in me (even if we still fight and argue about it) and for making me who I am today – A big Chivas Cheers, Love, hugs and Kisses to the idols of my life!

Also Ma, Pa - I just hope that the day wouldn't come, when I have to say in frustration, “Do you know how much I contributed to the Country?” I also hope, you do not live to see your dreams for this beautiful nation dashed.

Malaysia, My heart bleeds for you .....

Daulat Tuanku!

Just Another Bigger and Better Show!

Exhibitors are gearing up to give their best
in the Star Education Fair 2008 with five taking up 14 booths each.

On cloud nine – in a Sukhoi
At Lima 2007, Lt-Kol Norazlan and three fellow pilots
became the first Malaysians to pilot the Sukhoi aircraft.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Khairy : Government
must not meet Hindraf

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Abdul Hamid confirmed as CJ

Zaki, 62, made history
on Sept 5 by being the first lawyer
to be appointed directly
to the Federal Court.

Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail
described the duo as “excellent choices”,
expressing confidence that they would be able to
restore public
confidence
in the judiciary.
On Zaki, the A-G said

his good interacting skills
honed in the private sector
would be a great advantage.
The AG's (Gani Patail) most famous quotable quote is supposedly* -
"They threw bricks at his head."

Bar Council president Ambiga Sreenevasan,
in the congratulating the duo, admitted that
she was rather surprised
at the elevation of Zaki
to the judiciary’s second-highest position.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Poll: Malaysians most confident of their elections
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians are not only the
strongest supporters of democracy
in Asia but are also
the most confident
that their country's
elections
are fairand free,
according to a recent study by TNS and Gallup International.


xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Saadon Aksah/ES
Harakah English Section

Coalition for a free and fair election (Bersih)
is planning a second demonstration
in front of Parliament here on Dec 11,
to protest against a
Constitutional amendment
done "in haste".


xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

EC: It’s a good boost to image

Election Commission (EC) chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rashid
Abdul Rahman is glad that Malaysians have responded positively towards the
way the general election is conducted in the country.


xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

ACA sets up ops room in states for polls
The Anti-Corruption Agency has set up special operation rooms
at its 16 branches nationwide to receive reports on corruption and
investigate cases in preparation for the general election.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Government ‘fighting graft well’
Fifty-three per cent of Malaysians surveyed for the Global Corruption
Barometer 2007 said the Government was effective in fighting corruption.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Malaysiakini web site, Petaling Jaya - October 31, 2003 Malaysian opposition front lodges police report against ex-PM Mahathir
31 October: Youth leaders of the opposition Barisan Alternatif [BA, Alternative Front] today submitted a litany of complaints to the police on alleged wrongdoings by former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad during his 22-year tenure in office.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Mustapa: Students must know dangers of corruption.
Anti-Corruption Agency director-general
Datuk Seri Ahmad Said Hamdan said in 2003, a survey was conducted
among students and results showed that
30% of the respondents said they would
succumb to corruption if the opportunity arose.
"With this secretariat, we hope to reach out to the students at universities
get the message across about
the dangers of corruption
as many do not know
of the consequences,"
said Ahmad Said.



xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

-IGP: Hindraf trying to garner support from terrorist groups
-Tabling of police panel bill delayed
-Cops still hunting 16 gang leaders in Sarawak
-Gang on farm-robbing spree
-Model released on police bail
-Woman murdered, left naked at budget hotel
-Girl jumps out of window to escape sexual predators
-MB denies taking a second wife
-Johor on red alert ....

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

One number for distressed folk to call for help
15999 – this is the number to call
if you are a victim of
domestic violence, child abuse or a natural disaster.

This hotline, called Talian Nur, will be the lifeline providing early intervention for these victims.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

NOTE: The above is a "cut & paste" job of segments of highly "credible" news items and images available online. The writer/ publisher of the above shall not be responsible for any conclusions drawn by readers, as neither the words nor the order of the words in sentences were altered in any way (except for font size).
(*This is an opinion expressed by an acquaintance of mine).

Cheap Parliament Dramatics!!

With great amusement, I read the antics of two YBs from Parit Sulong and Sri Gading, on the topics of Crosses at "mission" schools. Both these guys definitely need to be nominated for an award - the other nominees for which would probably be Nazri, Zam, Sami Vellu, Sothi, Badrudin, Bung Mokhtar and last but not least, Uncle Lim himself.

Both the "promonent" MPs apparently come from Batu Pahat - which makes me wonder if the had planned it in advance over a teh tarik ......

It is inconceivable to me that these two could actually believe that the crosses in the "Mission" schools are actually detrimental to the education standards in our schools
(Just today, I had a client complain that she finds it difficult to pay for the necessary tuitions - all becos, the teachers seem to be busy attending "Kursus", instead of teaching!)

Anyway, Parit Sulong was later quoted in The Sun to have said, "I was merely voicing the concerns of the public at large". Robin Hood ..... sorry ..... Syed Hood also "said he does not have any problems with mission schools and backed this up by saying that his eldest daughter used to study in the Batu Pahat Convent Primary School. (Why didn't he say so in the first place? Why then were the stories about "church songs", and holidays brought up, I wonder...) Maybe he probably had a "wayar putus", and wasn't able to articulate his thoughts in his mother tongue - that argument, I can accept!

Maybe they wanted to draw the ultra-orthodox, religious Kampung folks' attention by drawing on these issues. But then again, maybe it was a tactic to appear to be more "Islamic" than PAS, in keeping with the spirit of never ending competition of "out-Islamizing" each other. An "achievement" in this competition would definitely be the ultimate "wet-dream" for the politician, if there can ever be one ..... it opens many doors to rise in the echelons of power.

I suppose they too wish to be in the limelight even if it is for the most idiotic reasons - that seems to be the current trend of events .... maybe it is a new competition among BN MPs - I wouldn't know. It has to be the reason- there is no other rational reason. After all we need to distract the voters by hook or crook .... or else they may realize that "the emperor wears no clothes"!

To help them along, we need the DAP MPs screaming their guts and spewing bile at the BN MPs, so as to add to the dramatics. Meanwhile, PAS, despite being the most powerful political party in the opposition, sits as though totally clueless on issues affecting the nation. (It must be noted that they however have only 6 parliamentary seats, to DAPs 12).

It is not uncommon for one MP or other to start a shouting match with his "opponent" and ultimately end the "discussion"/ "debate" with something inconsequential. Shouting in parliament seems to have become an indispensable method of "civil behaviour", for one to get his points across or create a chaotic verbal pandemonium.

Addressing their peers in parliament as "racist", "monyet", "berok", "bodoh", "rambut putih", "one-eye-jack", "pondan", telling "others' to "keluar Malaysia", calling for a fight and sexist remarks are all fair game. Rude and provocative questioning of BN MPs/ ministers by the opposition bench(mainly Uncle Lim) seems to be acceptable and even maybe, "warranted". In fact, sometime I can't help believing that there's a cynical smile on Uncle Lim's face as he stokes the fire!

I really wonder if there are "envelopes passed" behind the scenes to facilitate these clownings in the "most august" House, in order to distract the observers, the media and the rakyat.

Anyway, in my opinion, many MPs probably need to attend "kursus" as penalty for "misbehaviour" to rectify their conduct in parliament, and to give any meaning to the title - YB. One thing is for sure - they all definitely need a kursus to articulate their thoughts in fluent and polite Malay.

And we definitely need an award - at least online,(maybe Bart Simpson's Krusty the clown Award?) for the most "resourceful Clown" in Parliament - Maybe Kickdefella or Mob's Crib can design it, and RPK can conduct a poll for the winner monthly, quarterly or annually. We could add on other awards for the most "brilliant ideas", most "engaging debate", best/bravest fighter/ Kicker and what not.......

Not Child's Play: A Teddy-Bear Intifada

http://www.hudson.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=publication_details&id=5326

From the December 3, 2007 National Review Online

December 4, 2007
by Paul Marshall



Editor's note: There is rioting in Sudanese streets calling for the death of a woman over a teddy bear named Mohammed. What can we in the West possibly do with this — nationally, individually? How do we help? What must we learn from it? National Review Online asked a group of experts and commentators.



Paul Marshall
British teacher Gillian Gibbons's sentence for blasphemy, and the subsequent demonstrations calling for her death, is one of a series of such incidents that, by their very absurdity, have shone media attention on the perils of accusations of blasphemy, apostasy, and insulting Islam. We need this attention to lead the West to become aware of and address the far wider and more serious political repercussions of such accusations in the Muslim world and beyond.

Examples could be taken from Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and elsewhere, but Sudan provides enough of its own. In 2005, Mohammed Taha, who edited the al-Wifaq newspaper in Sudan's capital, reprinted an article that debated the background of Mohammed. He was charged with blasphemy, though the charges were later dropped. However, in 2006 his body was found in a Khartoum street. He had been beheaded.

In the early 1990s, Gaspar Biro, the courageous United Nations Special Rapporteur on Sudan, produced a series of reports documenting the National Islamic Front government's massacres, slavery, draconian penal code, and other depredations. In 1994, the NIF (an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood) called his work "a vicious attack on the religion of Islam." In 1995, Sudanese officials said "we don't want to speculate about his fate if he is to continue offending the feelings of Muslims worldwide." These accusations of blasphemy were deemed dire enough that the U.N. General Assembly described it as "an unacceptable threat against his person."

Perhaps the most striking instance was Mahmoud Mohamed Taha. He was one of the country's leading Islamic scholars, and a co-founder of the Republican Brotherhood, which pushed, on Islamic grounds, for an open and democratic society. A major opponent of the regime, in January 1985 he was tried and executed on charges that amounted to apostasy because of his views on Islamic teaching.

As these examples show, a major function of blasphemy laws is silencing those who want to debate and discuss the meaning of Islam, particularly those who favor open and democratic societies.

How do we respond? Well, first, with diplomatic pressure to have Ms. Gibbons released, which appears to be progressing. But it is vital not to treat blasphemy accusations and convictions as merely idiosyncratic vagaries of Muslim regimes that simply require a humanitarian response on behalf of the unfortunates involved. Blasphemy charges are the front line of the war of ideas within Islam. If there is to be debate within Islam, we need to work to remove such laws.

A good place to start is for the U.S. to seriously campaign against the ongoing, partly successful, multi-year effort by the Organization of the Islamic Conference to have the United Nations condemn "blasphemy" in the international sphere (an effort couched in the language of combating 'Islamophobia'). A good occasion for this campaign is the preparatory meetings for the 2009 U.N. conference on "Racism," which, under the leadership of Iran, Libya, and Pakistan, is set to condemn all "insults to Islam," whether those purportedly by Ms. Gibbons, or those of political targets such as Gaspar Biro or the Tahas.

— Paul Marshall is senior fellow at Hudson Institute's Center for Religious Freedom and is writing a book on blasphemy. The new edition of his World survey of Religious Freedom will be published by Rowman and Littlefield in January.

Festival of Rights 2007

The PAS "Cooperation" and Vote.

"So this is how liberty dies. With thunderous applause."
-George Lucas , Senator Amidala in Star Wars: Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)


Recently, on Malaysia Today, there was an article entitled An Open Letter to PAS, Keadilan and DAP. Although it sounded like a "balanced" letter, I do have some serious misgivings over his stand and logic, where PAS is concerned (so much so, I seriously doubt that his name is RAJAN).

Allow me to quote a few words from Rajan in the letter:
"Their pure existence as a political party was from this platform. Asking them to forgo this call, however bitter it may be for many of us, is similar to asking them to close shop."

Now I have a few questions ....
Has the "Islamic State" been on the agenda of PAS from the very beginning?
If so, how was it defined just 40yrs ago, and how is it defined now?
I'm a little confused .... when Raja Petra writes that it is about "values" and not about laws/ fatwas, and an "Ulama" says that it is all about laws and edicts - "Islamic" this & that, or "unIslamic" this & that.

Bear in mind that the definition of "Islamic State" is what matters here. To my knowledge, the current definition of Islamic State varies significantly from that, prior to the Islamic rhetoric of the post 1967 Yom Kippur war and the Iranian revolution of the 70s. Those were the days of Dato Asri in PAS. The days when the Islamic extremist of the day, would be an "unIslamic" dove by todays standards.

Those were the days when when Mak Yong, Wayang Kulit and other forms of art (performing and non-performing) were very much part of the rich local (Kelantan) culture.

We now fast forward to the 80s, with the rise of Dr. Mahathir (aka Che Det) to power in UMNO, along with the Ulamaks in PAS, with much fanfare in both parties - both promising great things, with cliches for their mottos.

Strangely, both sides took away civil liberties as a price for imposing their agendas while pulling wool over the eyes of the public. On one side, was the death of the independent press/ judiciary/ democracy which were considered "pesky"; and on the other, death of commerce, industry, lifestyles and arts which were considered "unIslamic".

Let us move on to the legacy of the current PAS leadership - a write-up about Kelantan on the BBC website in 2005, would be a timely reminder for those who wish to extol the virtues of "cooperation" with PAS for the sole intent of voting out the current Government.

Lest the proponents of this "cooperation" forget, may I remind you - that the reason we oppose actions of a government isn't necessarily to vote it out, but to demand better governance.

Moreover, I still don't understand why PAS has to "close shop" should it give up the idea of an Islamic state - it is a party that takes part in democratic elections - and that isn't a very "Islamic" virtue by some standards!
And who ever said that they cannot be Islamic in a modern democracy?
Based on "Islamic values" (as opposed to Arabic tribal values), a democracy is in spirit, a very Islamic thing to propose.
In fact, in terms of fundamental liberties and rights, some Muslim Ulamas do agree that the "great Satan", the US of A, is in fact more Islamic than the so called Islamic nations with Syariah laws!
Having said that, does the current PAS leadership approve of the fundamental liberties of a person, Muslim or otherwise? Do they believe in equal rights and freedom of choice for all?
These are questions that one should ask oneself before suggesting that PAS shouldn't be asked to give up their stand on the "Islamic State", for these are questions which are fundamental to any democracy.

The next issue is that of the meaning of the vote, that one may give PAS - is it a signal of approval of the PAS manifesto, or is it just a rebellion against the current system?
I believe it is the latter.
However, with the increasing political manifestation of the Islamist agenda in the parliament and on the street, would it not whip up the competition among Malay dominated parties to "out-Islamize" the other?
Would it increase the "Islamisation" fervour among the powers that be, akin to Mahathirs introduction of the Syariah courts to "neutralize" PAS?
In fact, a vote for PAS with its "values", may signal to the BN govt of the day, that the non-muslims have no problems with the PAS brand of Islamic politics- and this can have undesirable and disastrous effects.

This brings me to the next point - Rajan said,
"Thus all of us especially the DAP icons should remain silent on this matter and work towards the main objective – secure the parliament. If DAP and the non–Muslims fears that once the election is won, PAS and KeADILAN will join together to press for an Islamic state then Barisan is still here. Barisan by itself is not bad."

What Rajan says here is this,- "Hey DAP! I think you should bet your @$$ on PAS - but if you get buggered, that's your friggin' problem man - I'll then vote BN!"

Come on - what a juvenile logic to be used on DAP.
That was definitely a low-down, cheap shot!
Which party in their right mind would do such a thing? Let's get real here - If at all they wish to work with an "enemy", the least they would wanna do is make sure their credibility doesn't get shot.

It would've been more logical for him to appeal to PAS to give up on the Islamic state agenda (at least temporarily), to work with a logical DAP+PKR +PSM alliance, based on social democratic principles!
In fact, PAS could pull out of the alliance, if it decides to impose an agenda which isn't acceptable to other parties. It may even rejoin BN if it wishes do so - after all, it was a breakaway from UMNO, and a one time BN member party.

As far as the NEP is concerned, it is what it is - so no point in saying that you want it, but not the way it is. What Rajan tries to say (presumably) is, we need fair distribution of wealth and opportunities for all, in all sectors, with affirmative action for the poor regardless of race. For a start, I suggest that we get rid of this evil of racial and religious profiling, except in warranted medical or criminal cases.

Let's move on to the issue of "gerrymandering"........

After the Bersih march, what is the ultimatum that Bersih has given? Would they still participate in the elections? If so why? After all, you've agreed that you're all being taken for a ride.

I presume, should reform not be instituted, Bersih would call for a boycott!
Logically speaking, they should - after all, who would wanna "turun padang" and play a game where the home team gets to sell tickets to only its own supporters, with its own players acting as linesmen and referee (plus having the ability to shift the goalpost at its whim and fancy)!

Without reform, any participation of any opposition party in the elections, would definitely lend Nazri's much publicized phrase of "wayar putus" much credibility. It would strip all opposition parties of what little credibility left in them, for being hypocrites.

Nothing short of a total boycott from them (the opposition) would be acceptable, should the reasons for the Bersih rally be ignored - not even the lame excuse of putting up independents by proxy, "to deny BN an uncontested victory".

What has the opposition got to fear should their victory ring hollow? It would only open the floodgates for more agitation from the electorate .....
The opposition has to stop playing politics for the sake of selfish, financial or sectarian interests, and make national interests their priority, based on logical and viable principles.

Malaysia in in a very precarious state of affairs, and badly needs proper governance, as mentioned by DSAI on Al-Jazeera. With good governance, Malaysia would definitely realize its true potential as an economic powerhouse and paradise, simply by virtue of its strategic location, if not for anything else.

The alternative we have as a nation, is nothing but a failed state.

Allow me to sign off with a beautiful quote :

"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."

- Benjamin Franklin (1706 - 1790), Historical Review of Pennsylvania, 1759